Q The other thing is it was widely reported today the administration will not take any action against Russia for the incursion in Georgia. And it would seem that backing away from things such as vetoing Russia's entry into the WTO is a reversal from some of the original rhetoric that came out of the administration, particularly Secretary Rice. What led to this change of position on Russia?

MS. PERINO: I found that criticism somewhat curious, because it came on the morning after the President withdrew from the 1-2-3 agreement, which was something that was a bilateral agreement that we had worked out with Russia in April. We did that with regret, but we did it because of Russia's unacceptable recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent of Georgia. And unfortunately, it's the Russians actions that led to this and Russia is increasingly finding itself isolated. And we will continue to work with our European partners and our international allies to decide how to move forward in a relationship with Russia.

seen at 09:00, 9 September in Whitehouse Press Briefings. Email this to a friend.
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